Threat Modeling Document

Introduction

GoReleaser is an open-source release automation tool designed to build, package, and publish releases for multiple programming languages.

This document identifies security threats, assets, and mitigations.

Asset Inventory

Critical Assets

• Source Code: Project code, build scripts, and configuration files (e.g., .goreleaser.yml)
• Build Artifacts: Packages, binaries, containers, and other distributable outputs
• Secrets: API tokens, signing keys, repository credentials
• Release Metadata: Version numbers, changelogs
• CI/CD Pipelines & Runners: Automation resources executing releases
• Third-party Dependencies: Libraries, plugins, and integrations
• User Data: Data handled by project integrations

Asset Locations

• Local developer machines
• GitHub Actions runners
• Artifact repositories
• Public package registries
• Source control platforms

Threat Model

Actors

• Maintainers & Contributors: Trusted users with varying permissions
• External Attackers: Untrusted users seeking to compromise releases or assets
• Supply Chain Threats: Malicious dependencies or compromised third-party services
• CI/CD Systems: Automated agents that may be exploited if misconfigured

Entry Points

• Source code contributions (pull requests, issues)
• Configuration files and scripts
• CI/CD integration and environment variables
• Third-party plugins and dependencies
• Release pipelines and artifact repositories

Trust Boundaries

• Between project repository and CI/CD environment
• Between GoReleaser and external plugins/dependencies
• Between artifact generation and distribution channels

Threats

Supply Chain Attacks

• Compromised dependencies or plugins
• Unauthorized changes to source/configuration
• Exploitation of third-party CI/CD or repository services

Secrets Leakage

• Exposure of tokens, credentials, or signing keys in logs, error messages, or artifacts
• Hardcoded secrets in code or configuration
• Improper secret management in CI/CD environments

Code Execution/Injection

• Malicious code execution via PRs, plugins, or configuration
• Remote code execution vulnerabilities in GoReleaser or dependencies

Unauthorized Access

• Unauthorized users triggering releases or accessing sensitive artifacts
• Insecure permissions on runners, repositories, or artifact stores

Data Integrity & Tampering

• Tampering with build artifacts, changelogs, or metadata
• Compromise of signing keys, leading to malicious releases

Denial of Service

• Abuse of CI/CD resources, bandwidth, or artifact storage
• Overloading automated processes or API endpoints

Mitigations

Supply Chain Security

• Pin dependencies and use trusted sources
• Mandatory code review and CI checks on all incoming PRs
• Signed commits and release tags
• Enable immutable releases
• Run security scans on every commit

Secrets Management

• Secure storage using environment variables and secret managers (e.g. GitHub Secrets)
• Never log or expose secrets in build or release outputs
• Regularly rotate secrets and monitor for suspicious activity

Secure Code Execution

• Validate and sanitize configuration files and user inputs
• Limit shell command and script execution scope
• Audit dependencies and plugins for vulnerabilities

Access Control

• Enforce least privilege for CI/CD runners, repositories, and artifact stores
• Require multi-factor authentication for maintainers
• Restrict release triggers to authorized users/systems
• Lower permissions of less active maintainers

Artifact Integrity

• Sign release artifacts with GPG or similar tools
• Verify signatures before distribution
• Use trusted, access-controlled artifact repositories

Availability Protection

• Implement rate limiting and resource quotas on CI/CD jobs
• Monitor for abnormal activity and automate alerts

Residual Risks

• Zero-day vulnerabilities in dependencies, CI/CD systems, or GoReleaser itself
• Social engineering attacks targeting maintainers
• Unnoticed supply chain compromises
• Human error in configuration or secret management

Security Best Practices

• Regularly update GoReleaser and dependencies
• Monitor security advisories and patch vulnerabilities promptly
• Educate contributors on secure coding and secrets hygiene
• Document security policies and incident response procedures

References

• GoReleaser Documentation
• OWASP Top 10
• Supply Chain Security
• GitHub Security Best Practices